Cheap steadi-cam alternative?

[VJ Ascension]

I've been checking out the "fig rig": http://services.manfrotto.com/figrig/

What do you guys think? I've also seen several do-it-yourself projects. Any advice on which of these is the most effective? Thanks!

 

[Zensteve]

Hah, I had horrible flashbacks when I saw the pictures of that.

I used it on one project. Never again.

 

[indietalk]

Looks realllly awkward.

 

[Unknown Screenwriter]

What kind of camera? How heavy?

If you're looking for something for a lighter camera -- say 2 pounds or less... I can vouch for this little gizmo:

U-FlyCam

Anything heavier but not over say... 7 pounds, and I can vouch for the SteadyTracker... You can also search for as Steady Tracker.

Only problem is that unless you really beef up your arm or perform only short bursts, your arm will definitely be feeling it.

filmy

 

[Will Vincent]

I shoot with the uber-tiny Canon HV20, and an equally small Panasonic before that.. and I've had really good results with the "$14 steadycam"

Not very effective for larger/heavier cameras, but for the small guys, it works a treat.